Oregon Public Broadcasting

Barak Obama supporters  in Portland crowded the city's streets in celebration Tuesday night. Two of the biggest gatherings were at the Oregon Convention Center and Pioneer Courthouse Square. Kristian Foden-Vencil was there and files this report.

The party started slowly, with news networks calling the race for Senator Obama. First, cars started honking around the city.

Then, as people left the Oregon Convention Center, the Democratic campaign headquarters, excitement started to gather. 

Someone set up a projector, shining massive images of Barak Obama on a nearby parking garage wall.

Nearby Courtney Fisher, Ryan Burnside and dozens of others began waving signs at passing motorists.

Courtney Fisher: “I can’t. Words don’t explain it. I have goose bumps. I just want to cry. It’s just so inspirational.

Ryan Burnside: “I’m here to support probably the most important thing in my lifetime.”

Kristian Foden-Vencil: “Why do you think everyone’s like this. What particular thing can you point to?”

Ryan Burnside: “Hope. In a word, everyone has something they want to change and here’s a guy who can help us with that.”

While the traffic outside the convention center zoomed by, downtown it was a different matter. Hundreds of people marched up and down Broadway carrying President Obama signs and chanting.

Sharon McCloud was at the theatre earlier in the evening.

Sharon McCloud: “And when it was over, we stepped outside, there was a band, shouting Obama, crowd has been getting bigger and bigger. They went down to the Republican Headquarters, it’s been a great time. An organic movement. Getting bigger and bigger.”

There was a jubilant feeling among the hundreds gathered at Pioneer Court House Square. They  sang, danced in a conga line and drummed.

Donney Lee McGuiness says she’s here because she’s inspired by Barak Obama.

Donney Lee McGuiness: “I just think that after eight years everybody is ready for a change. And that Obama brought so many young people out to vote and how there’s just such an excitement.”

Nobody applied for a permit for the gathering, and police did have to block off Broadway briefly, but they didn’t report any problems.